MARRIOTT & RITZ AWARD CHANGES

What You Need to Know About the March 24, 2016, Marriott and Ritz-Carlton Rewards Award Category/Tier Changes to Maximize Your Points!

Expiration Date – March 24, 2016

On March 24, 2016, Marriott is implementing their annual Marriott and Ritz-Carlton Rewards award category adjustments. 18% of Marriott and Ritz-Carlton’s more than 4,000 properties will change with 70% moving up one-award category/tier requiring more Marriott or Ritz-Carlton Rewards points for an award stay and 30% moving down one-award category/tier requiring less points. And of course, we've got a few great tips to help you maximize your points!

Take these three steps to maximize the value of your Marriott and Ritz-Carlton Rewards points in light of this change:

If you desire an award stay at any of the hotels and resorts that will require more Marriott or Ritz-Carlton Rewards points, book those stays before March 24, 2016 (pay special attention to San Francisco, New York City, London, Paris, Hong Kong and other attractive cities across the world).

If you desire an award stay at any of the hotels or resorts that will require less Marriott or Ritz-Carlton Rewards points, wait to book those hotels until after March 24.

And keep in mind that the award category/tier changes will also apply to Marriott and Ritz-Carlton new Cash + Points option, which is typically one of the best ways to use your rewards points!

And if you've every wondered whether you should participate in Marriott Rewards
or Ritz-Carlton Rewards, we have a great
Tip for you, because they are surprisingly interchangeable!

The Wrap-Up:

Of the 18% of properties that will adjust to a new award category/tier on March 24, many of Marriott and Ritz-Carlton’s most popular properties in attractive cities will require more points. So take a few minutes to think about your 2016 travel plans and prior to March 24, secure your award stays at those Marriott and Ritz-Carlton hotels that will require more points and wait to book those hotels that will require less after March 24. You’ll have the opportunity to cancel and adjust most Marriott and Ritz-Carlton Rewards award reservations without risk if your plans change, so a little pre-planning can really pay off!

And if you haven’t already, sign up for complimentary alerts so you never miss an important trvlvipPerk or Tip about Marriott or Ritz-Carlton!

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